"Streamers"

Thirty years ago, David Rabe's play by that name, was being produced and it was quite a sensation. Rabe had already made a name for himself with The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel and Sticks and Bones--the latter production was broadcast on network television as I recall. All dealt with life in the military and its consequences during the Vietnam War era, as well as larger social issues America was facing at the time.

Well, the title came to mind because I was actually marveling at how great it is to be able to listen to my favorite jazz station on my computer through what's called "streaming." Reception in the Capistrano Valley for the Long Beach-based KJAZZ 88.1 is spotty, but it comes in loud and clear via the internet. I also discovered another jazz station I'd never received over the airwaves: KSDS 88.3 in San Diego.

The age of streaming is also making it possible to watch video clips a la YouTube and on theatre websites (in my blog yesterday about 100 Saints You Should Know, producer Playwrights Horizons' website carried a link to a streamed interview with author Kate Fodor and members of the cast as well as selections from the play in performance).

Thirty years ago, though, Streamers had nothing to do with internet technology of course. Rabe's title referred to the phenomenon of a parachute failing to open--an important metaphor in that play.

Until next time...

Rick